SAFA, COSAFA set for showdown talks over hosting debacle

It was revealed by SABC Sport last week that SAFA had informed COSAFA of its annoyance with constantly staging competitions in the country while neighbouring states like Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zambia, and Lesotho are exempt from doing so. 

COSAFA hit back with a press release of its own earlier this week, noting “with concern the unfortunate statements” from SAFA and calling for discussions to iron out any misunderstandings as quickly as possible.

SABC Sport now understands a meeting will be held sometime next month, with COSAFA eager to finalise dates for the men’s senior tournament in Durban during the off-season, where they have an existing contract with the eThekwini municipality.

SAFA CEO Tebogo Motlanthe, who acknowledged communication with the regional football body, said they were not aiming to scrap existing agreements but urged COSAFA to consult the national mother body. 

"We are not fighting with COSAFA, but in principle, we are saying where there are contracts, we are not saying stop. KZN says it’s their last year, so they should honour it," explained Motlanthe. 

"But next time, talk to us [SAFA] first. When we ask the municipality to host our tournaments, they say they’ve already committed to COSAFA.

"Our message is that, they must comply with their statutes – don’t give us events that we have not bid for, even if you are a South African-registered company."

The CEO had earmarked this Sunday, April 30 as the date for the discussions, but it’s believed SAFA will only meet with COSAFA later, having already set up talks with their special member the Premier Soccer League, who snubbed last weekend's Congress.